Historic Masonic Theatre

Historic Masonic Theatre
City of Winona
Park & Recreation Department
207 Lafayette St.
Winona, MN 55987
507-457-8258
Cityofwinona-mn.com
Event Rental
Information
1909 Collection of Theatrical Drops
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Historic Masonic Theatre
ABOUT THE HISTORIC MASONIC THEATRE
The Historic Masonic Temple was constructed during the years of 1908 and 1909. It is a three story red brick
structure located on the corner of 5th and Main Streets. The Winona Masonic Temple was designed in the
Beaux-Arts tradition of the Neo-Classic style by prominent architects Warren Powers Laird and C.F. Osborne,
both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The exterior of the building retains total original design integrity, with the exception of the addition of a canopy to an automobile drop-off area and the construction of a ramp for handicapped access to the south entrance elevator/stair. The facility intended to house a number of Masonic bodies and serve as a social and
community center. The first floor was originally designed to provide space for activities of a more public nature. The lower level now is home to the City of Winona, Friendship Center.
A grand staircase of mahogany provides access to the reception area and auditorium on the second floor.
The large auditorium is the principal feature of the second floor; it is a two-story space with a stage at the
west end and balcony with risers at the east end. All seats command a fine view of the stage. Walls are
decorated with stenciled designs with Masonic and Egyptian motifs.
One of the impressive extant original furnishing of the auditorium is a three-manual Weikhardt organ purchased in 1910. The organ is currently not is use, yet the ranks of organ pipes are incorporated into oriels
which flank the stage proscenium. The organ has not been serviced or repaired in recent years; consequently
there is need for extensive work to bring it back to performance condition.
Undoubtedly, the premier element in the design of the auditorium is the fully outfitted stage for the use of
the Scottish and York Rites. Original stage scenery remains, including free-standing theatrical props and 98
hand-painted scenic drops. The drops were designed by Sosman and Landis of Chicago, procured by M.C.
Lilley and Company of Columbus, Ohio, and installed under the direction of Lilley’s western representative,
Bestor G. Brown of Wichita, Kansas. When grouped in various combinations, the individually numbered
drops create 59 stage scenes. The drop collection is the largest of only two such collections remaining in the
state.
In 1979, the Winona Masonic Benevolent Association sold the building to the City of Winona for the purpose
of creating a center for senior citizens.
History adapted from City of Winona, Minnesota Heritage Preservation Commission Local Designation Nomination Form Continuation Sheet, Section 6 page 1—8, and section 7 pages 1—22.
The scenic drop collection remains, unaltered, as an excellent
example of turn-of-the-century theater technology.
Event Rental Information
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Photo Gallery
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Historic Masonic Theatre
WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENT RENTALS
The Historic Masonic Theatre has a unique space
available for rent by the public, suitable for private
performances, wedding ceremonies, business
meetings, lectures, public performances, special
events, and private media screenings.
Great for general rentals, meetings, weddings, performances,
and workshops.
Room Inventory
Capacity
Fixed Seating
Main Theatre & Reception Area
Dining Room: 70 / 148
Theatre Fixed: 80
Meeting Room (Board Room)
Main Theatre: 194 / 381
Balcony Fixed: 79
Large Kitchen & Dining Room
Balcony: 79 / 79
Green Room / Bride’s Room
with tables / without tables
P
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Event Rental Information
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RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Facility Charges
Theatre Rental Rate:
Resident:
$150.00 per day
Non-Resident:
$200.00 per day
Club/Non-Profit:
$15.00 per hour
Non-Profit Tax Exempt: $14.04 per hour
Drop:
$50.00 per drop
Preparation Fee:
$75.00 includes additional set-up and/or take-down time
Event Coordinator:
$32.00 per hour (during event)
Site Supervisors:
$8.00 per hour (during event: two to five supervisors)
Additional charges will be assessed for maintenance requirement if the space has not been properly
cleaned by the renter after use.
Any damages to the building will be assessed by the City of Winona staff and the costs to repair any
damage will be the sole responsibility of the renter, including supplies and hourly labor charges.
A $1,000.00 damage deposit will be collected prior to the event.
Venue Name:
Historic Masonic Theatre
Location:
Historic Masonic Temple, Second Floor
Address:
255 Main Street Winona, MN 55987
City:
Winona, MN 55987
Contact Phone:
507-457-8258
Web Address:
cityofwinona-mn.com
Directions:
From the intersection of Hwy 61/Huff Street: Head North on Huff
Street to 5th Street, turn right at the stop light, continue on 5th
Street until Main Street. The Temple will be on your right.
Event Rental Information
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FLOOR PLAN—2ND FLOOR
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Historic Masonic Theatre
FLOOR PLAN—3RD FLOOR
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Historic Masonic Theatre
Contact Information
Community Services Director:
Chad Ubl
507-457-8258
cubl@ci.winona.mn.us
Coordinator of Events:
Julie Fassbender
507-457-8258
jfassbender@ci.winona.mn.us
Coordinator of Events:
Lydia Boysen
507-457-8258
lboysen@ci.winona.mn.us
Booking Information
If you are interested in booking the Historic Masonic Theatre for your upcoming event ,
please contact us to begin the process.